Koksilah River Provincial Park

Koksilah River Provincial Park is located 7 km west of Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island. This undeveloped 210-hectare park in the Vancouver Island Forest Reserve offers good hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking while you spend the day picnicking in the scenic surroundings of the Koksilah River and Canyon.

The nearby Kinsol Trestle, just outside the eastern boundary of the park, is an historic site well worth visiting.

Kinsol Trestle is one of the largest and highest wooden trestle bridges in the world, and has now been fully restored to its former glory. The old wooden railway bridge was constructed over the Koksilah River in 1920, to allow the transport of equipment and supplies into the Kinsol Copper Mine. Outbound rail cars carried harvested timber destined for the nearby mills.

Camping: Koksilah River Campground has been closed indefinitely, however, day-use services are still offered. The nearest provincial park campground is at Bamberton Provincial Park.

Hiking: Koksilah River Park has no developed trails, however there are a number of good existing rustic trails that lead to the river and throughout the forest and park.

Kayaking: The Koksilah River provides a 6-km whitewater kayak run above Burnt Bridge, one of the few whitewater runs on southern Vancouver Island.

Mountain Biking: The Koksilah River/Burnt Bridge region offers some incredible mountain biking trails. This is the site of the annual Burnt Bridge Classic Race Loop and the Can-Am Trails. Lose yourself for hours or even days in this challenging, but not overly technical area.

Koksilah River Provincial Park is located 7 km west of Shawnigan Lake, on Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Turn west off Trans-Canada Hwy 1 in Mill Bay onto Shawnigan Lake Road.

Follow the road to the fourway stop in the community of Shawnigan Lake and turn right. Continue around the northern end of the lake and beyond the west end of the lake. Access to the park is on Renfrew Road, a gravel logging road.

Biographical Info

Cobble House Bed & Breakfast is located in Vancouver Island’s Wine Country, the Cowichan Valley, just 45 minutes north of Victoria and 60 minutes south of Nanaimo. Centrally located for exploring southern Vancouver Island in different directions, Cobble House B&B is nestled in a 40-acre private natural forest, with Shawnigan Creek flowing by along one side.

Our three guest rooms are spacious, comfortable, smoke free and well equipped, all with private bathroom and comfortable sitting areas. Start your day right with a delicious full breakfast in our lovely dining room. If you want to unwind with a relaxing Vancouver Island getaway, we offer that peace and tranquility and relaxed atmosphere. Wir sprechen Deutsch. Wij spreken Nederlands.

Wildlife is a daily occurrence. Relax on our flower-filled deck in the summer to enjoy the birds and hummingbirds at their feeders. Deer will often wander by and occasionally elk or bear pay a visit. We’ve also seen mink, many owls and even river otters on the lawn!

Enjoy the many outdoor activities the Cowichan Valley has to offer, from golf, horseback riding, boating, and whale watching to kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, cycling and hiking. Walk the Trans Canada Trail and the famous Kinsol Trestle. Bring your bike to cycle the wineries. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Tea Farm, the only place in Canada to grow tea. You can meet a water buffalo herd, smell the lavender, visit the Chemainus murals, immerse yourself in native culture, or watch the Raptors fly. There really is something to suit everyone’s interests and we’re happy to assist you with all the information you need.

Biographical Info

Arbutus Ridge Golf Club is located in the seaside community of Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, a scenic 40-minute drive from Victoria and Nanaimo and just 10 minutes away from the cultural city of Duncan. Arbutus Ridge is rated the #1 Destination Golf Course in British Columbia and the legendary 17th hole is ranked One of the Top 18 Golf Holes on Vancouver Island.